The Nigerian centre-back missed the last month of the season, as Southend United were crowned League One Champions, with a broken ankle.

A late challenge by Bournemouth's James Hayter signaled the end of the 33-year-olds season at the start of April.

However, the former Yeovil Town defender is now making good progress in his rehabilitation work as he targets a Championship comeback next term.

"Since Efe came out of plaster we have been working on his range of moment and building the muscles up around the ankle," Stannard told the official site

"He's managing to walk without crutches now and we are on course to have him back for start of the season.

"There is the possibility that he could even play in some of the pre-season friendlies if everything goes to plan."

Sodje has been joined in the treatment room by fellow defensive partner Spencer Prior over the summer.

Prior found himself sidelined with a knee injury that prematurely ended his season but the former Cardiff City man is also well on the road to recovery.

"Spencer has been doing a lot of running and kicking and he will be fine for pre-season.

"At the moment though, touch wood, none of our other players have come in with any problems they may have picked up over the summer break."

Source: Official Site

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